wedding registry

After filing for a marriage license, Charles Manson (yes, THAT Charles Mason) and his bride did the next sensible thing: They started a wedding registry. At Bed, Bath and Beyond. You know, just like you did. The couple (presumably the bride, since I don't think prison has Wi-Fi) followed the most important registry rule, choosing gifts at every price point, including six sets of bamboo chopsticks ($1.99 each) and a chip-and-dip tray shaped like a cowboy hat ($99.99). The most expensive item on the list is a five-piece sterling-silver place setting ($999.99; they’re asking for 16 sets). This Waterford Lismore Cobalt Ships Decanter ($594.99) is also on the list. Obviously the whole thing could be fake. There are 20 woman on The Knot right now who have created wedding registries with Justin Timberlake, after all. And I can’t imagine the future Mr. and Mrs. Manson will be doing that much entertaining at home. (Forty crystal wineglasses seems excessive for any couple, no? Although I’ll be damned if we still have any of our wedding wineglasses. Those suckers are NOT durable.) But the date on the registry is wrong (it’s already passed) and it lists the bride’s last name as “Manson.” read more

There’s no point in registering for fancy china if you’re never going to host a schmancy dinner party—and you can't serve a decent protein shake in a dainty teacup. If you and your groom would rather do bicep curls with a waffle iron than indulge in a lazy brunch, here are Target wedding expert Brit Morin’s five health and fitness registry picks for you: “Did you know that friendly competition makes you work out harder?,” says Brit. “Register for a Fitbit for you and your partner (they’re available in every color under the sun!) and let the games begin.” Fitbit Flex Wireless Activity & Sleep Tracker in Violet, $99.99. “These headphones are sweat-resistant and designed for athletes,” says Brit. “Meaning they won’t fall out every time you go out for a run together.” Beats by Dre PowerBeats In-Ear Headphone in Neon, $149.99. “Perfect for a cruise around the neighborhood or to the beach together,” says Brit. Schwinn Women’s Legacy 26" Cruiser Bike in Yellow, $129.99. Men’s Legacy 26" Cruiser Bike in Blue, $129.99. Who needs cable? You’re too busy getting buff to keep up with a Kardashians marathon. And still, it’s nice to have a way to stream movies on read more

Writes Save the Date reader Kathy: I knew I was going to be invited to a bridal shower and planned to bring a gift to the shower and then write a check as the wedding gift. Then the bridal shower invitation arrived, and it stated “flat gifts preferred.” So do I just give a check at the shower and then not give anything for a wedding gift? Or do I give a check the shower and another at the wedding? And if I give two checks, how much do I give at the shower? Here are my thoughts: If you’re OK with writing two checks, the short answer is: Write one check for whatever you were going to spend on the shower gift and then write a second check for the wedding gift. (The long answer involves me cringing about requesting gifts on an invitation. But we all know I’m pretty old-fashioned when it comes to wedding etiquette.) If you don’t love the idea of writing two checks, I don’t think it’s wrong to bring an actual gift to the shower. If the “flat gifts” request was because the couple is moving (and I know sometimes this is the read more

Your wedding registry doesn't have to be a never-ending list of household staples. Instead, opt for goods that reflect your lifestyle. Here, Target wedding expert Brit Morin shares six fun picks for the bride and groom who like to entertain. KITCHEN "Making customized drinks for friends has never been easier. Use a Sodastream to create all sorts of bubbly beverages," suggests Brit. A gorgeous cake stand plus beautiful foods (think artichokes, ripe peaches) makes for an eye-catching countertop display. Brit says: "I love this modern, woodsy take on the classic glass cake stand. It’s masculine and feminine all at once." SodaStream Source Soda Maker, $99.99. Threshold Wood Cake Stand With Glass Dome, $34.99. DINING ROOM Rustic-looking pieces can be dressed up or down to match the occasion—and music helps further set the mood. "I love this wireless speaker because it allows us to play the same (or different!) music in every room," says Brit, "and you can control everything via an app on your phone." Burlap Table Runner, $23.95. Sonos Play: 1 Wireless Hi-Fi System in White, $199.99 OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING Summer parties give you even more opportunities to decorate. "This dispenser is a party staple for showcasing colorful drinks, like read more

People LOVE to argue that they DON'T need a traditional wedding registry, but I disagree. Unless you and your groom are moving to Zambia to join the Peace Corps the day after your wedding, I think it's important to give people the opportunity to buy you actual, physical gifts. (And even if you are joining the Peace Corps tomorrow, you'll need stuff to build a home with when you get back! Throw it in a storage unit for $16 a month!) Here are 10 awesome things from Target that I'd add to my registry. Or just buy for my home, if my home needed cute-ifying. Wedding Gift 1 The best wedding registry advice I got was from my dad, who said to ask for plain white dishes. We did, and we accent our set with brighter bowls or serving pieces, but we never get sick of the basics, which I think could happen if your everyday dishes were patterned. 16-Piece Dinnerware Set, $59.99. Wedding Gift 2 I love that this has a hole for pits! (Yes, you could put out a separate dish for pits, but this is so cute!) Olive Tray, $12.99. Wedding Gift 3 I'd love to see read more

The situation is all too familiar: You have no idea what to get the bride, and everything within price range on the registry has been snagged already. What to do?! Enter this sweet, personalized gift from Dawn’s Craft Store on Etsy. Warning: Don’t click if you're not ready to be completely obsessed. read more

Most wedding registries contain the same basic ingredients: blender, china, silverware, bath mat, couch cushions. What would you think about adding something bigger to your registry? Say... as big as a house? read more

Stars! They're just like... well, other stars, at least when it comes to their wedding registries. Take a look at some of the uber-expensive items they've asked for (guess who registered for a $7,850 vase?)--and then weigh in on this registry etiquette question... read more

You want to remember your wedding as the best day ever--not the event that nearly cost you your friendships and family relationships...not to mention your sanity. While the stress that comes along with wedding planning is inevitable (sorry to tell ya, ladies!), these expert tips will help ensure that minor scuffles don't turn into earthshaking blowouts. read more

Paul and I just renovated the kitchen in our apartment (want to test the strength of your marriage? Tile the floors in a 70-square-foot-space), and we realized there were several items we should’ve added to our wedding gift registry (instead of having to run to Home Depot at night), like read more